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Scene maker: Laura Russell, at the helm of county food bank fundraiser

Laura Russell doesn’t mind an early rise-and-shine time, especially if fishing is involved. A Tallahassee native, Russell is a competitive angler who reels in really big saltwater fish, like the 450-pound blue marlin she snagged near St. Thomas.

She and her husband, Byron Russell, met while fishing and often travel for big game tournaments. They recently returned from a trip to the Bahamas.

Being out on a rocking boat for long hours has its challenges.

“I get horribly seasick,” she confessed. “But I wear a patch and I power through it.”

Besides fishing, Russell, 31, is active in the Junior League of the Palm Beaches and will serve as president-elect next year.

The Jupiter woman has a degree in recreation and leisure management from Florida State University, and worked as a special events planner. She was also a legislative aide for Jeff Atwater and Ellyn Bogdanoff.

The Russells, whose family business is Cheney Brothers Inc., are co-chairs of the Palm Beach County Food Bank Canstruction event June 9-22 at The Gardens Mall.

“We are an independent food distribution company,” she said. “CBI has deep community ties and understands the intricacies of food distribution as well as the needs of the community. The Food Bank (www.pbcfoodbank.org) acts like a mini-CBI, serving as the food distribution hub for more than 100 agencies in Palm Beach County, responsible for serving tens of thousands of children, families and senior citizens. It seemed like a natural fit for us to get involved.”

Canstruction is an international charity of the design and construction industry in which architects, designers and builders compete to create works of art made entirely out of canned and packaged foods.

Last year, the inaugural year in Palm Beach County, resulted in the donation of 23,000 pounds of food to the Palm Beach County Food Bank.

Favorite place for breakfast:

Nothing beats a classic … we love to go to John G’s. Worth the wait! My favorites are Greek salad and gazpacho soup.

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